I Pick Em Group for the UFL!

Sweet! An "I Pick Em" group has been started for the UFL. Not quite as good as fantasy football, but fun nonetheless.

Click this link for the story. Go to www.ipickem.net and join up. Should be a lot of fun and you will be on an even footing with everyone else. we have NEVER seen these teams play.

Dallas/Carolina

After watching the NFL's Monday Night Football, I realized two things:

1) The UFL needs to make their games as much a "spectacle" and an event as MNF. Have some celebrity interviews and things like that. Elevate it above a professional version of a college game. That is one of the secrets of MNF success.
2) The way Dallas and Carolina played last night tells me the UFL is not a "minor" league. The talent, coaches, staff are all high enough quality to compete with the NFL.

We are 9 days away from the season.

It's almost time

October 8th, 9 PM on Versus. The UFL plays the first down. I am really excited.
I have also already been proven wrong! I assumed Craig Nall would be the starter in Orlando...well, he was cut! That's impressive. If the team can cut NFL-caliber talent then the UFL talent must be pretty high.
Here is a great article about the league itself. It's more eloquent than I can be so I will just post the link .
It does have a touching story about a guy who tried out but did not do well. He called to try and get a second shot. Apparently he has been working 60-70 hours a week in a plant and was exhausted and did not have time to prepare for the try out.
Maybe he gets another shot and maybe he doesn't. That's for the league to decide, but let it be a lesson to the rest of us.
Sometimes you only get one shot. Better make the most of it.

UFL Fantasy football

No, there is no UFL Fantasy football...yet. Nor is there a UFL video game or very much in the way of merchandise. I'm sure the UFL is thinking about all of these things. I would.
I always wonder about the marketing behind these sorts of properties. Do you go for the market saturation now, or focus on your primary mission and let popularity take you in other directions.
The NFL has, at one time or another, tried about every marketing and merchandise angle there is. Do you remember the Fridge Perry GI Joe figure? I do. Or the Marvel Comics "Superpro" title.
If I were to guess...I would say focus on the key mission first. Stage good football and get it where people could see it. Take advantage of the viral marketing that the internet can provide. Move to merchandise next (apparel is constant advertising and not too expensive to provide these days - think cafepress). After that, I would think the other issues would follow.
Maybe there will be opportunities for some poor blogger to get involved in the conversation.

Broadcast teams announced for the UFL

The broadcast teams have been announced for the UFL. "The Shutdown Corner" blogged about the announcement here.
The tone of the blog ws mocking as "The Shutdown Corner" often is. Sometimes that particular sports blog is everything this one is not. I don't try and raise readership by raising ire or participating in bashing popular figures. Maybe our goals are different...but I digress.

Looks like two of the announcers are very familiar to football fans...Kordell Stewart and Doug Flutie. I am excited about both of those guys. I know they know the game and I have heard Flutie call games before. I understand Kordell is not new to the broadcast booth so it should be a strong team.

Stay tuned for more! Season starts in less than 2 weeks.

Great article at Yahoo Sports

Yahoo Sports published their take on the UFL.

Of course it was some parts mocking and some parts irreverent, but there are some good things in there.

It talks about some of the reasons the different players have for taking the job. The "job" with the UFL pays a fraction of an NFL players salary, but so did the AFL back when it began and it became a very viable league (it's subsequent collapse will certainly be a lesson that the UFL will seek to avoid - sometimes we have to be careful how we grow and not just grow, grow, grow as a means to an end - outgrow your foundation and...collapse, but I digress)

The article gives a good insight into the UFL itself as well as the concept of a player "on the fringe". The profile of Chad Gessner, former Patriots WR, is really interesting and shows us a different view of NFL players. They're not all living the glitzy life and running around in limos. Some are moving from town to town seeking whatever gig they can land.

Like actors...or writers for that matter.

Palko!

I saw today that Tyler Palko comes to the UFL! I am thrilled. I have seen this guy with a couple of teams (New Orleans for example). I have long thought he was a really good QB and not as well-used in the NFL as he should have been.

He's signed with the California Redwoods and I would be surprised if he is not the starter.

We'll see what kind of talent scout I am.

Here's a link to the full article with an impressive history on Palko and his career thus far.

UFL Rule changes

Here is a link to the Wikipedia article on the UFL. One notable aspect is the rule difference between the NFL and the UFL.

Here's a primer:

1. No tuck rule.


2. Touchdown celebrations will occur in the endzone and the bench area only


3. Fumbling out of the endzone - fumble will be placed at the spot of the fumble


4. Intentional Grounding - is not a penalty


5. Instant Replay - all reviews are done upstairs and the official only has 90 seconds to review (I think this is how college does it?)


6. Overtime - both teams guaranteed a possession, like college. No sudden death. I don't know if I like this or not. I love Sudden Death games, but then I love the dramatic buildup of a 2, 3 or 4 overtime game as well.

Very interesting. I think I love it!

Future Stars

As I watched Florida put it to my Tennessee Volunteers today, it occurred to me just how many college players are great at the collegiate level but lacking the skills or abilities to go immediately to the NFL, many miss out on a chance at a professional football career.

Until now.

The UFL is changing that. It's in the league's by-line "Where Future Stars Come to Play"

Darrel Hackney as starter in Orlando?

The Orlando Sentinel (newspaper in Orlando - not to be confused with the New York Sentinels) published this article indicating Darrel Hackney may have a shot as starter for the Orlando Tuskers.

I assumed Craig Nall would be the starter with his NFL pedigree and what I have seen of him in his professional career. The Orlando Sentinel makes a pretty good case for Hackney though. Sounds like some Jamarcus Russel comparisons. Jamarcus has not been superlative in the NFL, but he does play for the Raiders after all.

This will be interesting to watch as it unfolds closer to kickoff of the 2009 season.

Final Rosters announced!

Sweet! The final rosters have been announced.

Check them out here.

What you'll get from this blog

What you will get from this blog:

News on the UFL
A balanced opinion on major events
Commentary on individual players
Discussions of games

What you won't get:

Inflammatory opinions meant to anger people into responding
Judgemental opinions of players, coaches, etc.
Armchair quarterbacking

I'm just not a blogger, like a few NFL bloggers, who try to write the most inflammatory thing possible just to drive readership (Michael Vick is a villain or Michael Vick is a hero. Brett Favre is washed up or Kurt Warner is the antichrist). I don't like reading stuff like that and I won't be writing it.

I'm not someone who is convinced that if you just gave me an UFL coaching job we would win the championship every year because I'm somehow smarter than all the professionals in the room.

I prefer balanced opinions and intelligent discussion about football, players, etc.

The rest of that junk belongs elsewhere.

Great article about the UFL

Just read a great article about the UFL. Coverage like this affirms my opinion that this league definitely stands a chance!

I see scrimmages are coming up. I can't wait to see more.

After reading the article, I am wondering if my original prediction of Cecil Sapp as league rushing leader is off the mark. Sounds like Tatum Bell is the real deal as well.

Tatum always did well for me in Madden on the Xbox.

Great story!

Joey Madrid signs with Florida.

Who? Last played in 2007 at Colorado State. It's the kind of story you love to hear. Guy comes out of college and gets some attention from the pros, but doesn't make it. He's installing Alternative Energy products and working like a dog (that is to say he's working like the rest of us) and suddenly, a phone call from a former Rams coach who is now with the Tuskers. A few days later, Joey is a Tusker.

Joey Madrid is 6'2" and weighs in at 280. He has signed to be the long snapper. I know being the long snapper takes some skills so hopefully this is the case of finding the right man for the job.

It sounds a bit like an XFL scenario, however. The UFL bills itself as "where future stars come to play" and I so want that to be true. I hope it doesn't turn out to be "where the people who can't land anywhere else come to play". Then again, would that be so bad?

Everyone loves Minor League baseball. Maybe this is a bit like Minor League Football. It's more professional than the semi-pro leagues that manages to hang on and even have some fan following. One gripe I have about minor league baseball is that I never know who the players are. Maybe the UFL will be able to retain some talent.

Anyway you cut it, it's a great story and I am thrilled for Joey.

By the way, "Joey Madrid" is a great football name!

Cecil Sapp

I don't know if Cecil will be the starting RB for the NY Sentinels (that's up to Ted Cottrell and he hasn't asked me yet) but I would be surprised if Cecil was not the guy.

He's been a competitor at every level, but I got to see him play with the Broncos. There is a reason he made the active roster for several years in a row. He's got the skills.

Leading UFL rusher in 2009? Any takers?

Starting QBs for our four teams.

The starting QBs for the 4 UFL teams look like this:

1. California Redwoods: Shane Boyd
2. Florida Tuskers: Craig Nall
3. Las Vegas Locomotives: JP Losman
4. New York Sentinels: Quinn Gray

Four names I recognize. Some you might as well. All are definitely ballers of skill. Personally, I can't decide who I think is the "best". If I were forced to rank them right now without the benefit of a UFL season, I would say they line up like this: Craig Nall, JP Losman, Quinn Gray, Shane Boyd.

We'll know in about a month.

Shane Boyd

Shane Boyd spent last Thursday at Larry Fitzgerald's house watching the NFL premiere. It was almost 4 weeks to the day before Shane will take the field as the quarterback for the California Redwoods. Shane is the former QB for the University of Kentucky. He's bounced around the NFL some (having first been drafted by my own Tennesee Titans). I am ready to see him on the field slingin' the rock!

Click his name in the title for the interview.

I wonder who is more excited about the upcoming UFL season? Me or Shane?

NFL Kickoff

NFL Kickoff was last night. It might be awhile before the UFL matches the grandeur of the NFL event, but I am excited about UFL kickoff - about as much as I was for the NFL kickoff.
I wonder if Sports Gambling sites will allow people to bet on UFL games? That would increase the popularity some, I would think. People love to gamble.
I saw that most polls are showing that people don't love the four team names. The press says the names don't resonate with the fans.
I wouldn't worry so much about that. If the Browns were invented today, would they be "The Browns"
Of the four names, Sentinels, Tuskers, Redwoods, Locomotives, I personally think "The Sentinels" is an awesome name. I like "The Tuskers" pretty well. "The Redwoods" is a bit weak to me. "The Locomotives" implies power and makes for a good logo, but I'm not sure it reflects Las Vegas. How about "The Kings" and have a silhouette of Elvis.

Just perambulating.

Craig Nall

One great thing about professional sports can be summed up in one word, "storylines". I don't care which professional athlete you choose, you could write a book or a movie about what got them to the professional level. There have been succeses and failures and heartache and comebacks and dedication and victory. This is true in almost every case.

This pic is Florida Tuskers QB Craig Nall and I think we are right at the edge of one of those stories. Craig had star potential at LSU, but fell behind some really good QBs before transferring to Northwestern State and really lighting things up.

He went to the NFL and only got a few opportunities. He backed up Brett Favre in Green Bay and that is where I remember him best. He looked great in the games where he actually got to play, but the list of QBs who have backed up Brett Favre and never got a chance to play is long and distinguished (Ty Detmer, Mark Brunell, Matt Hasselbeck, Aaron Brooks).

If Drew Bledsoe had never gotten injured, would we know who Tom Brady was? He was always good at Michigan, but also a perpetual back-up (Brian Griese in college and then Bledsoe at New England).

Let's watch Craig Nall. Tuskers could put up impressive numbers with him under center.

New Hires

Hey, the UFL hired a director of Strength and Conditioning and a Director of Athletic Training. I have actually not heard of these guys, but then again why would I? I'm a fan primarily so you don't get much press on the Strength and Conditioning Coaches or Athletic Trainers.
Just for the record, the Strength and Conditioning guy is Jeff Friday (not to be confused with Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts). The Athletic Trainer is Aaron Miller.
Both have impressive pedrigees as former members of NFL clubs.
It just goes to show how the UFL is trying to be as successful as possible as an NFL alternative by getting some top notch talent.
It also shows, if you have a passion (like prevention of athletic injuries or helping people get in the best shape of their lives) then stick to it and there is no telling where you might go.
Most Universities have an Athletic Trainer program. They would tell you that the typical salary for an Athletic Trainer is $30,000-$60,000 based on experience.
I bet Aaron Miller makes a bit more than that.

Chase your dreams! Be the best you can be at your passion. Who knows where you will go?

Simeon Rice

Simeon Rice is a member of the NY Sentinels! How awesome is that? Simeon is older of course...and retired. He last played in 2007. He was drafted in 1996 (he was 3rd overall pick!).
He's 35 (younger than me).

He also has a recording label (Lucid Dream Entertainment) and has signed his first artist, Yashi Rice (his sister).

He's from Chicago, Illinois.

I have to believe he will be a force on the Sentinels though. He's a Defensive End with 122 sacks and 3 pro bowl trips. He was also a stud at The University of Illinois where he set the Big Ten record for career sacks (44.5) and a single season record (16).

And let's not forget the Superbowl Ring he wears.

This is a guy who once drew comparisons to Lawrence Taylor for his size and his speed. He is 13th in the NFL in sacks all-time. I suspect he will be teaching some UFL Offensive lineman what it is like to try and stop a freight train. I guarantee the starting QBs for the Tuskers, Redwoods and Locomotives are not as thrilled about thiss signing as I am.

Now as a long time Titans fan, I will officially call for Eddie George to end his premature retirement and get back on the gridiron!

Why the UFL is going to succeed

The UFL is going to succeed. Why do I say that? It has the lessons of the USFL to learn from as well as the XFL. Along with that, rather than being launched by people who don't know football (Vince McMahon) it is being launched and managed by football professionals. Frank Vuono is the COO of the league. He is the former NFL Consumer products chief.

The Commissioner of the League, Michael Huyghue has been a VP with the Lions and the Jaguars of the NFL. He's been a GM in professional football and served on numerous committees within the NFL working with the NFL Commissioner. Rick Mueller, one of the league VPs is a previous VP with the New Orleans Saints. The list goes on and on. Even the officiating is being overseen by a former NFL chief of officiating. Along with that, the founders and financial backers are major industry types with tons of cash and experience in generated revenue.

The coaches are former NFL coaches (Jim Haslett, Ted Cottrell, Jim Fassel and Denny "They Are Who We Thought They Were" Green). Which brings up another interesting point - by starting with four teams, the season is short, the initial overhead is much smaller than the XFL was and there is plenty of room to grow.

I have faith in this group of people. I think they have done their homework on the history of the NFL as well as the history of the "upstarts". They know football and they know business.

As for me, I plan to do my part and I am a similar expert on my role in this whole endeavor...overeating and watching some football!

UFL Premiere Season

I am extremely pumped about the upcoming premiere season of the United Football League! Check out the main site here.

I am, like all of you, reminded of the other "upstart" leagues. Some went well (The American Football League, now the AFC after merging with the NFC to form today's NFL) and some not so well (The XFL) but I loved all of them. I enjoyed the USFL and NFL Europe. I was a huge Arena League fan as well (AFL - come back!) I even loved the CFL when I lived in Michigan and got to watch it.

What do I love the most? Seeing players who are trying for one last chance to go pro. I was in Buffalo when JP Losman was there as the QB. I am psyched about his chances with the Las Vegas Locmotives.

I loved it when Tyson Thompson signed with the Dallas Cowboys for awhile. Tyson once had 500 yards in a single game in high school! He is also with Las Vegas.

Of course, Koren Robinson was just announced as a new member of the Florida Tuskers. How great is that? Ko Ro has some crazy ball skills and I can't wait to see him on the field again!

Tatum Bell is also with the Tuskers. I remember him well from his days as a Bronco.

These are just a few of the players that have seen action in other leagues. I just saw today that Eddie Moten (E-Mo) is a member of the California Redwoods. Moten has come on a long journey. He rocked in the Arena Football League, was a serious competitor on 4th and Long and almost ended up on the Dallas Cowboys. I hated to see him not make the cut, but the Cowboy's loss may be the Redwood's gain.

Where is the UFL now? Training Camp. Their premiere season is a short season cranking up on October 8th. It will be Thursday night ball mostly. The Championship is the day after Thanksgiving (awesome idea) and I already have my spot on the couch dusted off for a great UFL season!